Shimla, Oct. 31 -- The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Saturday honoured 419 sportspersons with cash awards worth Rs 17.85 crore for their outstanding performances at national and international sporting events, announced the launch of the Khelo Himachal Campaign from Dharamshala on November 20 and said the government was committed to making the state chitta-free by 2027.

Addressing a state-level Him Ratna-2026 awards ceremony here, and later speaking with reporters, Sukhu said the government had significantly enhanced cash incentives for sportspersons to recognise their achievements and encourage young talent.

The Chief Minister presented awards to 51 international-level and 368 national-level sportsperson...